Workers quit jobs to get rid of bad bosses, says book

MELBOURNE - Workers quit jobs to get rid of bad bosses even though they like their workplaces, says a new book.

Workplace management expert Tony Wilson, who wrote the book “Jack and the Team that Couldn’t See”, said bosses should look at themselves when staff resign, rather than blaming factors such as salary and workplace environment.

According to Australian newspaper Herald Sun, the author pointed to a survey by global research organisation Gallup that found the calibre of the boss was the primary reason people stayed — but also the main reason people left.

He also cited a research from Indiana University which found that a worker’s relationship with their boss was as important as their relationship with their spouse.

Wilson claims most managers spend too much time on operations, systems, strategy, products and services rather than people.

“While these are important pieces in the performance puzzle, they spend relatively little time developing their people - their greatest competitive advantage,” he said.

Among the important areas bosses need to concentrate on were providing clarity on their expectations of staff, constant feedback and open and honest communication, Wilson suggested.

“Every day this aspect of leadership becomes more crucial, yet time and time again I see managers who cannot relate to their staff or whose irregular moods bring everyone down,” he said.

“A manager must develop trust and respect through their treatment of people.”